Bilbo's Growth In The Hobbit

In the novel The Hobbit, growth is the key theme that is emphasized in the first half of the book. The growth of a little hobbit Bilbo Baggins, from a weak and travel maker hobbit into a strong and responsible hobbit. At the beginning of the novel in the Lone-Lands, readers witness how weak he was. In the middle of chapter two, because of the trolls, he was scolded, “silly time to go practicing when what we wanted was fire and food”(50) by the dwarf Bombur. Although he was trying for the goods of the group, he`s action and insufficient skills almost kill the entire group. This event shows how weak is Bilbo and how was he making travels in the beginning. Furthermore in the beginning of chapter six, Bilbo demonstrates that he survived around

goblins without the help of others, “the dwarves looked at him with quite a new respect”(110). Clearly Bilbo`s ability is shown little by little. This new look explains the first improvement of Bilbo during the route. Finally, at the middle of chapter 8 , readers witness Bilbo`s improvement by the fact that he save the dwarfs from the giant spiders,“ they had change their opinion of Mr. Baggins, very much, and had begun to have a great respect for him ... have been dead, if it had not been for the hobbit”(192). Distinctly, this time, there is a bigger improvement of Bilbo, he became more strong and responsible . The change of dwarves perspectives shows how big is the difference between Bilbo at the beginning compare to the middle of the novel. Overall, Bilbo Baggins`s growth and improvement is the main theme that is explored in the fist half of the novel.